Independent Councillor Hanifa Darwan
Historic Kiswa Exhibition Showcases Sacred Artefacts in Dewsbury Town Hall
Dewsbury, Saturday 12th July 2025 — The heart of Dewsbury came alive this weekend with a powerful celebration of heritage, art, and community as the town played host to a rare and beautiful exhibition of Kiswa artefacts — the sacred cloth that covers the Kaaba in Makkah
Held at Dewsbury Town Hall, the exhibition was a momentous occasion organised by community leaders Hanifa Darwan, Masood Ahmed, and Nosheen Dad. The event drew a wide audience, including local residents, families, cultural enthusiasts, and a host of dignitaries. Among those in attendance were Councillor Habiban Zaman, Councillor Kathy Scott, Councillor Ali Arshad, MP Iqbal Mohammed, and community advocate Yusra Hussain — all showing strong support for the region’s cultural and educational development
The exhibition offered visitors a rare chance to see original sections of the Kiswa up close, an opportunity that sparked both spiritual reflection and cultural pride. For Dewsbury, this marks a significant step in rekindling its reputation as a vibrant and inclusive hub of history, identity, and interfaith harmony
“This is about more than just artefacts — it’s about creating cultural dialogue, community empowerment, and educational access,” said organiser Hanifa Darwan. “We hope this event is just the beginning.”
There is now growing momentum for establishing a permanent Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery in Dewsbury — an educational and cultural hub open to all faiths, aimed at preserving these sacred artefacts and promoting understanding through shared heritage
The event was widely praised as a “fantastic achievement” for the town and a symbolic step in putting Dewsbury back on the map as a centre for cultural celebration, unity, and aspiration